Texas dentist recognized for health leadership

Dr. Alan B. Coleman was the sole dentist to be honored with a 2015 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award, according to the council.

The award is given annually to people or organizations that improve the lives of others within their communities by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs.

Dr. Coleman, of Beaumont, Tex., was selected because of his accomplishments in the National League of Cities Let’s Move! initiative, with which he led Beaumont to be the first city to receive five gold medals. He was also selected for his efforts to form the Healthy Beaumont health coalition, which aims to unify the health-related organizations of Southeast Texas to promote public health and healthy lifestyles.

“Dr. Coleman has worked to consistently promote physical activity, sports and/or good nutrition throughout his community,” says Shellie Pfohl, executive director of the Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. “For our nation to become healthier, it has to be transformed by acts of people such as Dr. Coleman. Together, we are all working to make our nation a healthier one.”

This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 47 recipients across the country.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by the President’s Council,” Dr. Coleman said. “This strengthens my passion to continue to encourage families to make lifestyle choices that will lead to happier and healthier lives.”